Dear Sponsor,
My name is Andrii, and I’m four years old. I live in a village with my mom, little sister Solomiia, and my brother Maksym. My mom is on maternity leave caring for my sister, who has beautiful blonde hair. I like to play with Maksym and build with Legos and toy cars. At Christmas, we visit our grandmother and go to church. I’m not in school yet, but I go to kindergarten close to our home. I love eating sausages, potatoes, soups, and sweets, especially when Grandma visits and brings treats.
Thank you for helping my family. I’m excited to get your letter!
Love,
Andrii
Caseworker Comments:
Meet Andrii, a bright, cheerful, and sociable little boy who, despite not yet being able to speak, radiates warmth and joy in everything he does. At just four years old, he’s already a loving big brother, always looking after his sister with such kindness and care. Whether it’s putting dishes in the sink, dressing himself, or playing with his toy cars, Andrii shows an independence beyond his years. He may not express himself in words yet, but his actions speak volumes, and his smile is a reflection of his vibrant personality. He loves being photographed and brings a sense of happiness and light to everyone around him. Andrii’s heart is so big, and it’s a privilege to watch him grow.
Despite being a loving and cheerful child, Andrii’s reality is far from ideal. Andrii’s mother was raised in a Christian family but eventually left the church and married. Her first marriage ended in divorce due to her husband’s infidelity. Although devastated, she tried to rebuild her life and start a new family. However, her second marriage proved to be even more tragic. Her new husband, who initially appeared caring and responsible, soon began drinking heavily and abusing Andrii’s mother. They had two children together, but his behavior worsened. When the war broke out, Andrii’s mother fled with her children, but they eventually returned. Her husband’s drinking escalated, and after she became pregnant again and gave birth to their third child, family life became unbearable. He refused to work, neglected the children, and frequently abused her. The family often went without food.
We first learned of Andrii’s mother’s situation through social services, who reached out for support. She had turned to them for help, unable to endure the abuse any longer and struggling to care for her children. With their guidance, she filed for divorce, leaving her with three children in a desperate situation. We’ve been in contact with Andrii’s mother and her family for about six months now, offering regular support for their urgent needs. During this time, we also had the privilege of meeting her mother, a devoted grandmother who prays for Andrii and his siblings with her husband, the children’s grandfather. They occasionally visit to spend time with the family.
We are grateful to have met this family and to assist them in their time of need. Andrii’s mother, worn down by life’s hardships, is seeking support and understanding. Our goal is not just to provide them with essential household items but to surround them with care, warmth, and compassion. This family needs help to navigate through their difficulties and begin anew.
The family lives in an old house inherited from Andrii’s great-grandfather, which needs significant repairs. Some work was started by Andrii’s father, but due to the breakdown of the marriage, the renovations were never finished. The section of the house where Andrii, his siblings, and his mother live has gas heating, though she cannot afford to use it. Unfortunately, the rest of the house is in deplorable condition. It has wooden windows, no heating, the corridors are destroyed, and there’s mold on the walls. The bathroom is partially equipped with a bathtub, toilet, washing machine, and boiler, but it is in an old, unheated room on the veranda with no proper floor. As a result, the bathroom can only be used in the summer, and the children have to use pots as toilets.
Thankfully, their neighbors, aware of the family’s hardships, bring her firewood. The house urgently needs repairs, including replacing the wooden windows, painting the walls, removing the mold, fixing the bathroom, laying proper flooring, and much more. The house also needs insulation, internal heating, and work on the stoves. Unfortunately, Andrii’s mother is unable to make these improvements on her own, either physically or financially. The family is struggling with significant financial hardship and is in desperate need of food, hygiene products, especially diapers, and firewood.
Andrii’s mother has endured immense pain and violence, and it has left her struggling to trust others and make decisions. She is holding on to the hope that her situation will improve, but she needs support to make that possible. In her search for strength, she has started attending a local church, though she has not yet formed close relationships there. To survive, she plants a garden and prepares food supplies for the winter, but she often feels overwhelmed, unable to give her children the attention they need, especially the younger ones. As a result, the boys speak very little at this time. The family’s situation is heartbreaking, and they need both material and emotional support. We ask for your help in providing this family with the assistance they so desperately need. Their circumstances are a clear reminder of the critical need for care, compassion, and hope. Thank you for choosing to support Andrii and his family.
